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The bum's 2016 nfl preseason schedule along with picks and news !!

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  • #76
    Bucs-Redskins preseason game moved to Wednesday
    August 29, 2016

    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' preseason game against the Washington Redskins has been moved to Wednesday night because of a potentially severe storm headed to the area.

    The game will remain at Raymond James Stadium and will now be played Wednesday at 8 p.m. - instead of Thursday night - in an attempt to avoid Tropical Depression Nine which is expected to impact the Tampa Bay area.

    ''We have been in regular communication with administrators from the Tampa Sports Authority, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the National Weather Service over the past day as it has become apparent that the most severe weather associated with Tropical Depression Nine will likely make landfall on Thursday,'' Buccaneers chief operating officer Brian Ford said.

    ''This decision was made by both teams in conjunction with the National Football League and local authorities in an effort to ensure the safety of our fans, players and stadium staff.''
    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

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    • #77
      Vikings' QB Bridgewater has torn ACL
      August 30, 2016

      EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is expected to miss at least the next season while recovering from a dislocated left knee and torn anterior cruciate ligament after a freak practice injury on Tuesday.

      Bridgewater was taken by ambulance to a hospital after crumpling to the turf during practice, and the team announced hours later that his knee also had ''other structural damage'' that will need to be repaired in a surgery that will be scheduled in the coming days. But the team did say he had no nerve or arterial damage and it expects a full recovery after a ''significant'' rehabilitation.

      ''Teddy has already displayed the attitude needed to overcome this injury and attack his rehab,'' said Eric Sugarman, the director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer for the Vikings.

      Bridgewater suffered a non-contact knee injury while dropping back to pass, and it was so jolting that coach Mike Zimmer immediately ended practice. Players were visibly distraught as they left the field, some hurling expletives into the air and others kneeling in prayer for one of the team's most popular players. Moments later, a siren-blaring ambulance rushed to team headquarters to get the quarterback to the hospital.

      It was a somber scene for a shaken franchise, one that reported to training camp with designs on a Super Bowl run.

      ''Sometimes the worst things happen to the best (people),'' Vikings receiver Jarius Wright tweeted. ''God has a plan.''

      About 2+ hours after the injury, Zimmer tried to straddle the line between expressing concern for a beloved teammate and keeping the rest of his team from losing focus and confidence.

      Zimmer addressed the team in full and was clearly upset for Bridgewater, a player he quickly bonded with after he was drafted in the first round in 2014. But he also tried to steer the team's focus back to the field as the players prepare for their preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night and the season opener at Tennessee on Sept. 11.

      ''I'm not going to let this team feel sorry for itself,'' Zimmer said before the full details of his injury were known. ''We're going to grieve today and be upset about it. It's more about our feelings for Teddy and him as a person and getting better than it is about anything else. Teddy's a great kid and he'll be back as soon as he possibly can if it is real bad. But we're going to keep fighting.''

      Zimmer said he spoke to Bridgewater's mother several times to keep her updated, had some phone conversations with mentor Bill Parcells and even talked ''in spirit'' to his father Bill, an ex-coach who died last summer, about how to best handle the situation.

      ''We're not going to stick our heads in the sand, we're not going to tuck our (tail between) our legs,'' Zimmer said. ''We're not looking for excuses. We're going to go out and fight like we always do.''

      There is little behind Bridgewater on the depth chart. Shaun Hill is the primary backup, but he's 36 years old and has played only sparingly over the last five years. Taylor Heinicke, last year's No. 3 quarterback, has been out all preseason with an injury, and undrafted rookie Joel Stave has struggled mightily at times during practices.

      Hill started eight games for the Rams in 2014, throwing eight touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Other than that, he has thrown a total of 23 passes dating back to 2010.

      ''I have confidence in Shaun,'' Zimmer said. ''I think he's played great this preseason. He's been in 2-minute drills. He's done a phenomenal job.''

      The Vikings were counting on Bridgewater to take some major steps forward after a promising start to his career. He helped lead the Vikings to the NFC North championship last season as more of a game manager, but Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner had said they expected him to be much more of a playmaker in 2016.

      Bridgewater missed the second preseason game with a sore shoulder, but was sharp Sunday against San Diego. He went 12 for 16 for 161 yards and a touchdown in two quarters of work.

      ''We're not going to stick our heads in the sand. We're going to figure out a way,'' Zimmer said. ''Everybody can count us out if they want, but I think that'd be the wrong thing to do.''

      Zimmer said he has already had preliminary discussions with general manager Rick Spielman about adding another quarterback if necessary, but the injury likely puts even more emphasis on Adrian Peterson and the running game.

      The determined coach rattled off the names of 10 players that would be key to the team's success in 2016, driving home his point that ''this isn't a one-man deal.''

      ''I can go down the line,'' Zimmer said, ''and I'll take them with me into an alley anywhere.''
      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

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      • #78
        Bosa hits the field for first practice
        August 30, 2016

        SAN DIEGO (AP) Rookie defensive end Joey Bosa finally made it back onto the field for the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday after a long holdout.

        From a fitness perspective, coach Mike McCoy said the No. 3 pick in this year's draft looked fine.

        ''He looked as we expected,'' McCoy said. ''He was in shape and ready to roll. He looked the way he did when he left.''

        Bosa missed 31 days and three preseason games during a nasty contract spat that included disagreement over payment of Bosa's $17 million signing bonus and whether the contract would have offset language. He eventually signed Monday and Bosa said he's capable of playing in the opener on Sept. 11 at the Kansas City Chiefs.

        First, the Chargers wrap up the preseason schedule on Thursday hosting the San Francisco 49ers but Bosa's not expected to play.

        ''It's not up to me, it's up to the coaches,'' he said. ''And they have a plan and they are going to do whatever they feel is necessary.''

        Bosa said his teammates have welcomed him ''with open arms.''

        ''They're aware of the business of the NFL and why I wasn't here,'' Bosa said. ''There is no bad blood between any of us. They are just excited to have me out there and I'm excited to be out there.''

        Nose tackle Ryan Carrethers said Bosa returned to the fold easily.

        ''It wasn't like he was a new guy showing up,'' said Carrethers. ''He was already with us in the spring.''

        It's the training camp workouts that he missed.

        Bosa acknowledged Monday ''was a long day'' as he did extra work with Chargers coaches to learn the schemes.

        ''It is what I've got to do to get back to speed,'' he said. ''I'm planning to do the same today.''

        What Bosa hasn't done is deliver hits or absorb one. The Chargers' workouts are light this week with them playing two games in five days.

        ''I still haven't put pads on,'' he said. ''So I'm sure that is going to be the toughest thing to get accustomed to.''
        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

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        • #79
          No Geno in Jets' preseason finale
          August 30, 2016

          NEW YORK (AP) The two young guys will be under center for the New York Jets' preseason finale.

          Coach Todd Bowles announced that ''probably'' both second-year quarterback Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg will play against Philadelphia on Thursday night, with backup Geno Smith sitting out.

          Bowles had said on Monday that he wasn't sure if Smith would also play, but ultimately decided he wanted to give the inexperienced quarterbacks game action. Smith, a former starter for the Jets, is expected to back up Ryan Fitzpatrick for the second straight season.

          ''I'd like to see more of the other two guys,'' Bowles said during a conference call Tuesday. ''Playing Geno would hinder that chance, so I wanted to see the other two guys play a full amount of time. This should be a perfect opportunity to do it.''

          The coach had not yet determined if both Petty, a fourth-rounder last year, and Hackenberg, a second-rounder this year, will each play a half.

          ''I'll try to even it out,'' Bowles said. ''I want to see who is kind of running the ball more. I'd like to get them a couple of passes in, but I'll try to even it out as best I can.''

          The Jets have entertained the idea of going into the regular season with four quarterbacks on their roster, something that is not very common because of the restrictions of having only 53 players in the regular season.

          But both Fitzpatrick and Smith are likely to become free agents after this season, and Petty and Hackenberg are considered projects who need some time to develop.

          ''All four are good football players,'' Bowles said. ''We can keep all four. It's just a matter of battling with the other positions, so that's still up for grabs and we'll have to wait until after this game to see how that plays out.''

          Petty was considered the likely odd-man out going into training camp, but he has had some good moments in camp and in the preseason. The former Baylor star has played in all three games, going 28 of 50 for 394 yards with two touchdowns and an interception that was returned for a score by the Giants last Saturday.

          Hackenberg didn't play in the first two games, but had an up-and-down NFL debut against the Giants. He capped his first drive with a touchdown pass, but also threw an interception on a tipped toss that led to the go-ahead points in the Jets' 21-20 loss.

          Because he's the No. 4 quarterback on the depth chart, there's a chance Hackenberg might not play in a game again until next preseason. He's not thinking that way, though, especially when he sees fellow rookie Dak Prescott, a fourth-rounder, in line to start for the Cowboys after an injury to Tony Romo.

          ''You look at the situation down in Dallas right now, you're two snaps or three snaps away from playing,'' Hackenberg said. ''For me, whatever happens, happens and it's out of my control, but I still need to stay in that mindset and mind frame where I'm preparing the best that I can each week.''

          NOTES:
          Bowles said there is no concern about WR Brandon Marshall's sore hip, which kept him out against the Giants. He also hasn't practiced since last week. ... Bowles acknowledged that the Jets could keep all three of their promising rookie wide receivers: seventh-rounder Charone Peake and undrafted Jalin Marshall and Robby Anderson. ''I mean, it's possible,'' the coach said. ''They've all had their flashes in games. It's possible.'' ... WR Quincy Enunwa was without his red no-contact jersey on during practice, so it appears he has fully recovered from a concussion.
          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

          Comment


          • #80
            Backup to share spotlight for Raiders
            August 30, 2016

            ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Raiders' preseason game against Seattle means nothing in the big picture other than being the final hurdle before the regular season.

            For backup quarterbacks Matt McGloin and rookie Connor Cook, it means a whole lot more.

            With Derek Carr almost certain to sit out against the Seahawks, the Raiders will lean on McGloin and Cook to share the quarterback duties in what will be their last extended workout before the regular season begins.

            One of the two will be Carr's primary understudy. Although McGloin seems to have the edge, coach Jack Del Rio and his staff haven't made an official announcement, which puts an added emphasis on Thurday night's game at the Oakland Coliseum.

            ''You just let everything out,'' Cook said Tuesday. ''All the stuff that I have learned thus far, go use it. This is the time to cut loose and have fun with the guys. We know there's going to be cuts after this game and once the season starts the reps are going to be very miniscule so we're just going to go out there and have fun.''

            Del Rio hasn't revealed the quarterback rotation for Oakland's preseason finale but McGloin is expected to start while Cook, a fourth-round draft pick this year, is expected to come off the bench late in the first half and play the remainder of the game.

            The Raiders are likely to keep both players on the 53-man roster so the game against the Seahawks is more a formality than anything else.

            Still, the two quarterbacks understand the significance of what playing well could mean in the big picture.

            Both have had moments where they've played well and each has also struggled.

            ''That's the thing about preseason, you have a limited amount of reps so it is crucial for you to get in there, get a couple of completions early and get into a nice rhythm,'' McGloin said. ''Preseason or not, practice or not, it's always important as a quarterback to get into a great rhythm, find completions and get that confidence built up.''

            McGloin has been the Raiders backup quarterback since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He started six games as a rookie but has played in only three since then.

            The former Penn State standout has had mixed results this preseason after signing a $2.55 million second-round tender with Oakland. McGloin threw a pair of touchdown passes against Arizona in the preseason opener but has failed to match that since. He attempted only five passes against Green Bay then went 8 of 13 versus Tennessee last week but threw an interception and had a 44.1 rating.

            ''I've done some good things, I've done some things that definitely need improvement on,'' McGloin said. ''You can always improve on decision-making, always improve on your checks and things like that. It's just continuing to get better every day.''

            Cook, who holds almost every meaningful passing record at Michigan State, got off to a slow start with the Raiders and is coming off a game in which he was intercepted twice while completing 16 of 26 attempts.

            ''The comfort level that I have now is head and shoulders above where I was in minicamp and OTAs,'' Cook said. ''With limited reps it's hard as a quarterback. For any of the quarterbacks, even starters who get in there and play three series and then they're done. As a quarterback you need to establish a rhythm. It could take you a quarter, it could take you maybe a half. It's just how it is at the quarterback position.''
            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

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            • #81
              Jaguars' Jack switching positions
              August 30, 2016

              JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Myles Jack is switching positions - well, sort of.

              After working solely at middle linebacker during training camp and in three exhibitions, Jack made the move to weak-side linebacker this week and will play there in the preseason finale Thursday night at Atlanta.

              ''It actually kind of simplifies my world a little bit more, which is cool,'' Jack said Tuesday.

              The Jaguars feel as if Jack has a good understanding of middle linebacker, where he has played behind veteran Paul Posluszny, and want to expand his knowledge of the defense and make him more versatile heading into the season.

              The only problem: Jack has just three days to figure it out.

              ''It's going to be an interesting challenge, but he can handle it,'' Posluszny said.

              Jacksonville believes Jack is the franchise's future middle linebacker.

              But since Posluszny has been better than anticipated in pass coverage during camp, the team wants to find other potential ways of getting Jack on the field. It could be in place of Telvin Smith, who has a tendency to be out of position at times.

              Jack was considered one of the best coverage linebackers in the draft, but slipped to the second round because of uncertainty about his right knee.

              The former UCLA standout tore a meniscus last September and missed the remainder of his junior season. He left school in early October to rehab in Phoenix.

              The Jaguars checked his knee three times before the draft, and general manager Dave Caldwell felt comfortable enough to trade up two spots to grab him with the 36th overall pick when he starting falling.

              Jack's knee has felt fine during camp.

              His mind is getting tested this week.

              ''I've been playing (middle) this entire time. It's all I've been honed in on,'' Jack said. ''So now I've got to adapt and figure out the (weak-side) spot. It's not much of a difference. I'll just be slid over. But I've just got to open up my mind and see the bigger picture.''

              Jack's versatility was one of his most notable attributes in college. He played linebacker and running back as a freshman, and the Jaguars believe he's capable of making big plays in the running and passing games.

              Now, he gets to try to do it from a slightly different position.

              ''There's a lot of carry-over, things he can transfer from one position to the next,'' Posluszny said. ''He'll be able to step right in, play with a clear mind and be able to play fast.''
              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

              Comment


              • #82
                Game 4 Preseason Trends
                August 30, 2016

                Week 4 of the NFL Preseason kicks off Wednesday and concludes Thursday with 16 games on tap.

                Handicapping exhibitions isn’t easy but veteran NFL Handicapper Marc Lawrence is here to help again as he breaks down Game 4 records of the preseason.

                Looking at the below table from Lawrence’s PLAYBOOK magazine, you can view the Against the Spread records for all 32 teams from 1983.

                Along with the overall ATS marks, Lawrence has identified Most Recent ATS trends for each team as well.

                Best Game 4 Overall ATS Records (Week 4 Opponent)


                Minnesota 23-10 (vs. Los Angeles)
                N.Y. Jets 21-12 (at Philadelphia)
                Seattle 21-11 (at Oakland)
                Philadelphia 21-11 (vs. N.Y. Jets)

                Worst Game 4 Overall ATS Records (Week 4 Opponent)


                Buffalo 9-24 (at Detroit)
                Houston 3-10 (at Dallas)
                Kansas City 12-20 (vs. Green Bay)
                Philadelphia 21-11 (vs. N.Y. Jets)

                Most Recent Game 4 ATS Trends to Watch (Week 4 Opponent)

                Buffalo 0-8 last eight ATS (at Detroit)

                Detroit 8-0 last eight ATS (vs. Buffalo)

                Jacksonville 8-2 last 10 ATS (at Atlanta)

                Minnesota 5-1 last six ATS (vs. Los Angeles)

                Oakland 1-8 last nine ATS (vs. Seattle)

                Seattle 9-1 last 10 ATS (at Oakland)

                Washington 3-9 last 12 ATS (at Tampa Bay)

                Listed below are all of the Game 4 ATS Preseason Trends for all 32 NFL teams.

                GAME 4 ATS PRESEASON RECORD (1983-2015)


                Team ATS Record Most Recent ATS Trend

                Arizona Cardinals 18-14 4-1

                Atlanta Falcons 13-19 1-6

                Baltimore Ravens 19-13 3-0

                Buffalo Bills 9-24 0-8

                Carolina Panthers 11-9 4-0

                Chicago Bears 16-16 1-0

                Cincinnati Bengals 16-17 3-0

                Cleveland Browns 9-7 0-1

                Dallas Cowboys 17-15 3-1

                Denver Broncos 18-13 2-4

                Detroit Lions 17-16 8-0

                Green Bay Packers 15-17 2-0

                Houston Texans 3-10 0-2

                Indianapolis Colts 15-16 0-3

                Jacksonville Jaguars 13-8 8-2

                Kansas City Chiefs 12-20 3-6

                Los Angeles Rams 13-19 0-3

                Miami Dolphins 14-18 1-3

                Minnesota Vikings 23-10 5-1

                New England Patriots 13-18 1-3

                New Orleans Saints 16-17 0-2

                New York Giants 14-18 4-1

                New York Jets 21-12 6-3

                Oakland Raiders 14-19 1-8

                Philadelphia Eagles 11-21 3-6

                Pittsburgh Steelers 17-16 0-4

                San Diego Chargers 13-16 1-3

                San Francisco 49ers 14-17 4-1

                Seattle Seahawks 21-11 9-1

                Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16-16 1-3

                Tennessee Titans 16-16 2-6

                Washington Redskins 17-16 3-9
                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                Comment


                • #83
                  NFL PRESEASON RECORD OPINIONS ONLY

                  WLT PCT UNITS

                  ATS Picks 19-28-1 40.43% -5900

                  O/U Picks 21-23-4 47.73% -2150




                  WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31

                  GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

                  WAS at TB 08:00 PM

                  WAS +2.5

                  O 38.0
                  Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                  Comment


                  • #84
                    KICKING OFF: A look at Thursday's 15 preseason games
                    August 31, 2016

                    Here's a look at Thursday's NFL preseason games (all times EDT):

                    EYES ON KAP

                    San Francisco at San Diego, 10 p.m.


                    All eyes will be on Colin Kaepernick, who has vowed to continue his protest and sit during the national anthem. He gets his final shot to earn back San Francisco's starting quarterback job. Kaepernick looked rusty last week in his first game action since November.

                    San Diego's first-round draftee, DE Joey Bosa, finally signed, but is expected to sit out.

                    Bosa missed 31 days and three preseason games during the nasty contract spat.

                    NO GURLEY MAN

                    Los Angeles at Minnesota, 8 p.m.


                    Although running back Todd Gurley won't be allowed near the field, coach Jeff Fisher still intends to evaluate several competitions for roster spots, particularly along the offensive line and in the secondary.

                    Vikings quarterback Shaun Hill, a 15-year veteran who will take over following the season-ending knee injury to Teddy Bridgewater, probably won't play against his former team.

                    NO SIEMIAN OR SANCHEZ

                    Denver at Arizona, 9:30 p.m.


                    Newly elevated starting QB Trevor Siemian isn't going to play. Rookie Paxton Lynch, who acknowledges he's had trouble digesting large chunks of the playbook, is scheduled to play the entire game with Mark Sanchez available in a pinch.

                    Matt Barkley is expected to play the entire game because coach Bruce Arians has no other option if he plans to sit QBs Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton. All-Pro S Tyrann Mathieu (knee surgery) and WR John Brown (concussion) are cleared to play but probably won't.

                    HOLE IN THE MIDDLE

                    Seattle at Oakland, 10 p.m.


                    The Raiders have few remaining questions this preseason although coach Jack Del Rio said he would like to get another look at rookie middle linebacker Cory James before deciding whether James or second-year player Ben Heeney will start the season.

                    Expect to see Seahawks No. 1 RB Thomas Rawls for a few plays. It would be Rawls' first game action since breaking his ankle last December against Baltimore.

                    INJURY PLAGUED

                    Indianapolis at Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.


                    The Colts are trying to avoid getting anyone else hurt. Four offensive linemen are out: Joe Reitz, Hugh Thornton, Joe Haeg and Jack Mewhort.

                    One of the most competitive spots for the Bengals is punt returner. Alex Erickson, an undrafted rookie who started his career at Wisconsin as a walk-on, has an 80-yard touchdown return. Second-round pick Tyler Boyd also had a pair of returns, including a 24-yarder.

                    BRADY? NOT LIKELY

                    New England at New York Giants, 7 p.m.


                    Tom Brady's final opportunity to play before his four-game ''Deflategate'' suspension kicks in, and he said he would like to be on the field. Not likely.

                    The Giants brought back veteran tackle Will Beatty, but he has not practiced and isn't likely to play.

                    JACKING IT UP

                    Jacksonville at Atlanta, 7 p.m.


                    Jaguars second-round draft pick Myles Jack moved from middle to outside linebacker this week and will play extensively against Atlanta. Jacksonville also expects to get a lengthy look at QB Brandon Allen and rookie DT Sheldon Day, who missed the first three preseason games (back injury).

                    Matt Ryan will play against Jacksonville after throwing an interception and completing only 12 of 22 passes last week. Kicker Matt Bryant returns after missing two games with tightness in his leg.

                    CAN WE WIN ONE?

                    Baltimore at New Orleans, 8 p.m.


                    Saints coach Sean Payton has said it's important to win preseason games to cultivate a competitive edge. His team has lost all three so far - and looked anemic doing so. So Payton said starters will play through the first quarter.

                    There's a chance TE Dennis Pitta and WR Breshad Perriman will see action for the first time this preseason. Pitta is trying to rebound from missing 2015 (hip injury); Perriman, the team's top draft pick in 2015, has yet to play in a game because of injuries.

                    ONE SERIES, GUYS

                    Tennessee at Miami, 7 p.m.


                    Mike Mularkey plans to play his Titans starters for one series, regardless if that series is a three-and-out or lasts double-digit plays. He should get his first real look at his starting cornerbacks with the return of Perrish Cox (ankle). The other starter, Jason McCourty, missed every game after Mularkey took over as interim head coach last season.

                    Miami first-round draft pick Laremy Tunsil will play left guard. Rookie receivers Leonte Carroo and Jakeem Grant and rookie running back Kenyan Drake are expected to see significant action.

                    WITHOUT WENTZ

                    New York Jets at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.


                    Carson Wentz (ribs) isn't ready to return, so the No. 2 overall pick will miss his third straight game. Linebacker Mychal Kendricks is the only starter expected to see action - he hasn't played much this preseason - and veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch, signed last week, also is supposed to play.

                    Both second-year QB Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg will play. New York has not yet determined if both Petty, a fourth-rounder last year, and Hackenberg, a second-rounder this year, will each play a half.

                    BURNS' DEBUT

                    Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.


                    Pittsburgh first-round pick Artie Burns will finally make his debut. The cornerback has been hampered by a quadriceps injury.

                    The Steelers will get a full dose of Joe Webb at quarterback with Cam Newton resting and backup Derek Anderson still sore from the beating he took from New England last Friday night.

                    GETTING TIGHT

                    Buffalo at Detroit, 7:30 p.m
                    .

                    The Lions will start the season without veteran TEs Brandon Pettigrew and Tim Wright, and possibly another, Eric Ebron, because of injuries. That opens opportunities for undrafted rookies Cole Wick and Adam Fuehne.

                    Competition for Buffalo's final few receiver spots is down to Walt Powell, Greg Salas, Jarrett Boykin and Dezmin Lewis after Greg Little was cut.

                    STRUGGLING BROWNS

                    Chicago at Cleveland, 8 p.m.


                    Browns coach Hue Jackson will play his starters. Cleveland has issues on both sides of the ball, but particularly on defense. The Browns gave up 259 yards passing in the first half last week as communication breakdowns in the secondary resulted in easy throws for Jameis Winston.

                    The Bears still must decide on backups to WRs Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White. Veterans Eddie Royal and Marc Mariani are in the mix along with Josh Bellamy, Cameron Meredith and Daniel Braverman.

                    NO DAK ATTACK

                    Houston at Dallas, 8 p.m.


                    After Tony Romo's back injury last week, the Cowboys will take no chances with his replacement, rookie Dak Prescott. Jameill Showers likely will get the whole game.

                    Houston coach Bill O'Brien says Tom Savage will be QB Brock Osweiler's backup and start Thursday's game. But he'll also play third-stringer Brandon Weeden, a former Cowboy.

                    BACKUP BATTLES

                    Green Bay at Kansas City, 8 p.m.


                    Get out your roster sheets. Green Bay is not expected to play any starters, or even backup QB Brett Hundley, hobbled by an ankle injury. Kansas City will start third-string quarterback Tyler Bray.

                    The Packers will be debuting a new punter, Jacob Schum, claimed off waivers from the Buccaneers. Veteran Tim Masthay was released
                    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                    Comment


                    • #85
                      Vikings' Hill steps in for Bridgewater
                      August 31, 2016

                      MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota's replacement plan for Teddy Bridgewater has received an emergency activation.

                      Shaun Hill will be the first remedy.

                      ''I have confidence in him,'' Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. ''I have confidence in this football team.''

                      Bridgewater's recovery from a badly damaged left knee, sustained during a seemingly harmless drill in practice Tuesday with nobody near him, will be the most important development for the Vikings over the next year and beyond.

                      The most crucial issue for the team's immediate future will be how well Hill, or whoever else might wind up leading the huddle in the 2016 season, can handle the caretaker role while Bridgewater embarks on an arduous rehab.

                      Hill has started 34 games over a borderline-nomadic career in the league. None came in the playoffs.

                      As a 15-year veteran, the value of Hill's experience is deeper than the spot duties he has handled with San Francisco, Detroit, St. Louis and now Minnesota following the injuries that thrust him into action.

                      Zimmer, at the beginning of training camp when Hill's capability as a backup was being discussed, recalled a scenario from 2015 when Hill was running the offense in spring practice. The timeouts in this particular drill were used up, so Hill was already thinking a step ahead.

                      ''He said, `Do you want an incompletion, or should I take a sack in this situation?''' Zimmer said then. ''Things like that make me think, too. He has seen so many things. He catches on quick. He understands the offense. And he's a good guy.''

                      Hill is 17 for 25 for 192 yards with no interceptions, or touchdowns, in the preseason. He probably won't play on Thursday when the Vikings host St. Louis in their final exhibition game. Keeping him healthy is far more important than giving him a few extra snaps to tune up for the opener at Tennessee on Sept. 11.

                      Hill never threw a pass that counted in a four-year stint with the Vikings, who signed him out of Maryland as an undrafted free agent in 2002. The two kneel-downs he took in the 2005 season finale marked his only official appearance.

                      He started 16 games over four years with the 49ers because of injuries to Trent Dilfer and Alex Smith. Matthew Stafford went down in 2010, giving Hill a 10-game run in his first of four seasons with the Lions. Sam Bradford was hurt in 2014 during training camp with the Rams, so Hill took his turn in the opener against, fittingly, the Vikings. He started eight games that year before rejoining his original team, going 3-5 to bring his career record to 16-18.

                      Lacking the arm strength to stretch the field, there's nothing special about Hill and his skills. If there's a reason for hope for Vikings fans, it's that they were second to last in the league last season in passing touchdowns and yards and still won the NFC North with an 11-5 record.

                      The plan was to strike more of a run-pass balance this year, and Bridgewater was showing strides with the deep throws throughout the preseason. But Adrian Peterson is still in the backfield, and the defense is still stacked.

                      ''We have a good defensive team. Our offensive line is much better. We have good receivers. We have maybe the best running back in the NFL,'' Zimmer said. ''So this is about a team.''

                      Taylor Heinicke, the third-stringer last year, has been out with a severed tendon around his left ankle. He could be back soon and work his way into the mix. Regardless, general manager Rick Spielman will be scrutinizing veteran options the rest of the week.

                      Matt Flynn, Michael Vick and T.J. Yates are among the free agents. Current backup quarterbacks who could become available, if they're let go this weekend or offered in a trade, include Mike Glennon, Colin Kaepernick, Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith and Brandon Weeden.

                      ''We're going to try figure out the very best way we can to beat the team that we're playing that week,'' Zimmer said. ''However we have to do it, if it's running the ball 65 times or throwing it 65 times, it doesn't really matter. We have a good football team, and that's what we're going to do.''
                      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                      Comment


                      • #86
                        Packers, Chiefs leave battle to backups in preseason finale
                        August 31, 2016

                        KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Only the most ardent fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers will likely care much about what transpires in their preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night.

                        Then again, the guys on the field will care very much about what happens.

                        The Chiefs and Packers are expected to play few, if any, starters in their fourth preseason game, turning the proceedings over to their backups instead.

                        And in some cases, not even the backups will see game action - the Chiefs are resting quarterbacks Alex Smith and Nick Foles, and Aaron Rodgers and ailing Packers backup Brett Hundley will enjoy the night in a ball cap.

                        ''Young guys will get most of the work,'' Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged this week.

                        He stopped just short of saying ''all of the work.''

                        Some coaches have said they will play their starters for a series or quarter Thursday night, if only to knock off the last vestiges of rust.

                        But the Chiefs and Packers are content with the statuses of their veteran cores, so much so that many of players on both teams have skipped the preseason entirely.

                        Rodgers certainly didn't see much of the field. Chiefs pass rusher Tamba Hali and running back Jamaal Charles, both coming off knee surgery, and safety Eric Berry, who refused to sign a franchise tender before Sunday, have likewise skipped all the preseason.

                        As such, the guys on the fringe - fighting for the last roster spot or to flash something for other teams in need - will have an opportunity to shine on Thursday night.

                        ''It's a great game for the young guys to get in and have an opportunity to show,'' Reid said. ''You're not going to be able to keep everybody, but it gives you an opportunity as a player to get yourself on tape and if you don't make it here, you have an opportunity to make it somewhere else, and that's what this is all about.''

                        It certainly isn't about what happens on the scoreboard.

                        So, who are the position battles worth watching for the Chiefs and Packers on Thursday night?

                        The Packers are trying to sort out their wide receiver depth behind Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.

                        Davante Adams, Ty Montgomery and Jared Abbrederis all appear safe, while Jeff Janis - who caught the desperation pass in last season's playoff game against Arizona - has struggled in camp.

                        The defensive line is also a big question mark with first-round pick Kenny Clark sidelined by an injury and Mike Pennel suspended the first four weeks of the regular season. After starters Mike Daniels and Letroy Guion, fourth-rounder Dean Lowry may need to contribute right away.

                        The defense offers the biggest intrigue in Kansas City, too.

                        The late trade with San Francisco for cornerback Kenneth Acker means competition is tight for jobs in the secondary. The Chiefs have second-year pro Steven Nelson and rookies KeiVarae Russell, Eric Murray and D.J. White along with Marcus Cooper and starters Phillip Gaines and Marcus Peters.

                        ''I like the competition from the young guys,'' Chiefs safety Ron Parker said. ''They do a good job of coming out here every day and competing against each other, going out there and making it hard against the offense. So that's all we're asking for young guys to do.''

                        In the linebacker group, the absence of Justin Houston as he recovers from surgery to his ACL and the loss of Josh Mauga to season-ending hip surgery this week leave a substantial void.

                        Ramik Wilson, Justin March, and Dadi Nicolas are all trying to prove they have something to offer.

                        ''We're trying to see what everybody can do,'' Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton said. ''We're trying to get as many evaluations as we can on these guys and give them a chance to go against the first unit of whoever you're playing and kind of see it as close to game as you can on a more limited basis.''
                        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                        Comment


                        • #87
                          Travelers angered by Kaepernick memorabilia at Reno airport
                          August 31, 2016

                          Colin Kaepernick's decision to sit during the national anthem is prompting protests over a display at the Reno airport that includes memorabilia from his days at the University of Nevada, where he was a star player before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers.

                          An official at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport said Wednesday that the airport has received more than a hundred angry messages by phone, email and social media from locals and travelers who want Kaepernick's trophy, helmet and other memorabilia removed from the prominent display case. Others passing by have also offered disapproving hand gestures, hisses and venting in person.

                          ''The toughest ones are the ones that come from veterans,'' said Brian Kulpin, the airport's spokesman. ''There's very strong feelings.''

                          Kaepernick said last week that he's refusing to stand for the national anthem because he believes the United States oppresses African Americans and other minorities. The biracial Kaepernick has been outspoken on his Twitter account on civil rights issues and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

                          Kaepernick sat through the anthem during the 49ers' three preseason games so far and said he intends to continue the protest during Thursday night's preseason finale in San Diego and beyond.

                          While at Nevada, Kaepernick became the only player in NCAA history with three seasons of 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. He was drafted by San Francisco in 2011.

                          Kulpin said the community airport has never seen such an outcry as the one prompted by Kaepernick's things.

                          The 20-foot-long glass display case at the airport highlights the University of Nevada in Reno, including its history and academics and sports programs. Featured in the primary concourse and visible to all passengers who go through security, Kulpin said the decorative display has always been popular, especially the Kaepernick items that were added about three years ago.

                          ''It's the only thing in the public eye that is a shrine to Colin Kaepernick,'' Kulpin said.

                          The display's contents are owned and managed by the university and are due for an update in the coming months. There was a brief mix-up on Monday when the Kaepernick items were removed temporarily for a cleaning and then placed back in the display.

                          Nevada associate athletic director Chad Hartley said changes had long been planned and they are unrelated to the Kaepernick firestorm, though the school hasn't been immune to the feedback.

                          ''We've seen some messages. We've heard from fans. But we've heard on both and all sides of the issue,'' Hartley said.
                          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

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                          • #88
                            Milestone Prop Bets
                            August 31, 2016

                            NFL Player Milestone Prop Bets For 2016 Season


                            In the 2015 season, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, now retired after winning a second career Super Bowl ring, passed Packers legend and new Hall of Famer Brett Favre for the most passing yards in NFL history. Manning has 71,940. In 2014, Manning passed Favre for the most TD throws.

                            Manning retired with 539 and Favre has 508. There is no major career passing records set to be broken in 2016, but BetOnline offers a few milestone NFL prop bets for the regular season.

                            Let's start with San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, who is a future Hall of Famer. Gates is 36 years old and was considering retiring after last season, his 13th. But he didn't want to go out on such a bad note as he was suspended from the first four NFL games of the year for a PED violation and his Chargers slid to a 4-12 record.

                            This is the franchise's worst since the same mark in 2003 when Gates was an unknown rookie out of Kent State. The Chargers gave Gates a two-year deal this spring worth $12 million, with $6 million guaranteed. But this could be his final year as San Diego drafted its likely tight end of the future in Hunter Henry, a second-round pick from Arkansas.

                            Gates is the franchise leader with 844 catches, 10,644 yards receiving and 104 touchdown catches. The TD catches are the most of any active player, and the all-time record for touchdown catches by a tight end is 111 by former Kansas City Chief and Atlanta Falcon, Tony Gonzalez.

                            On BetOnline's NFL odds, Gonzalez is -260 to still have the record after this season, with Gates at +200. Gates was still very productive in 2015 with 56 receptions for 630 yards and five scores. He obviously would need eight TD catches to pass Gonzalez. Gates had 12 TDs as recently as 2014 but that's the only season he had more than seven since 2011.

                            Meanwhile, New England QB Tom Brady is sitting on 58,028 career regular-season passing yards, which is fifth all-time and second among active players behind Drew Brees' 60,903. Brady is -140 on NFL odds to have more passing yards by the end of the season than Hall of Famer Dan Marino, who retired with 61,361 and is +110 on this prop. Brady is 3,334 yards from passing Marino.

                            Of course, Brady won't be playing more than 12 regular-season games because he's suspended the first four for his role in "Deflategate." If Brady does play all 12, he would need to average about 278 yards per game to pass Marino. Brady averaged 298 per game in 2015.

                            Finally, three first-round quarterbacks from the 2004 NFL Draft are poised to join the club of QBs with at least 300 passing touchdowns. No. 1 overall pick Eli Manning has 294 and is favored to reach 300 in Week 3 against Washington at -125. That he does it Week 1 in Dallas is +2500 on NFL odds. You can also wager on some other early-season choices.

                            No. 4 overall pick Philip Rivers of the Chargers, who was traded for Manning when Eli refused to play for San Diego after being drafted by the Bolts, has 281 TDs. That Rivers reaches 300 before Nov. 17 is a -150 favorite with after priced at +120. San Diego hosts Miami in Week 10 on Nov. 13 and then is on its bye week.

                            No. 11 overall pick Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers has 272 TD passes. That he reaches 300 this season is -120 on NFL props and that Big Ben doesn't is -110. Roethlisberger was limited to 12 games in 2015 and had 21 TD throws.

                            When he played 16 games in 2014 and '13, he had 32 touchdown passes and 28, respectively. Roethlisberger has played all 16 games just three times in his career.
                            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

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                            • #89
                              Books adjust to Romo-less 'Boys
                              September 1, 2016

                              Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo broke a bone in his back in Thursday’s preseason game versus the Seattle Seahawks.

                              Reports for this injury have said that the veteran signal caller can be expected to miss six to 10 weeks but head coach Jason Garrett addressed the situation as day-to-day on Sunday.

                              "He just going to start getting into rehab and part of his rehab is he's going to be wearing a back brace for now,'' Garrett said Sunday morning. "So you'll see him around wearing that.

                              "There is no reason for me to stand up here and put a timetable on this,'' Garrett said.

                              Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.ag believe Romo is going to miss the Week 1 opener at home versus the New York Giants and have already adjusted their numbers.

                              The Cowboys were 4 ½-point favorites over the Giants prior to the injury and New York has reopened as a 1 ½-point road favorite. The total has also moved from 49 ½ to 47.

                              The Super Bowl future market was also adjusted at Sportsbook.ag.

                              The Cowboys were 20/1 to win Super Bowl LI and 9/1 to capture the NFC Championship.

                              After the injury, Dallas is now a 30/1 betting choice to win SBLI and 15/1 for the conference.

                              Since the Cowboys have dropped the three other teams in the NFC East have all moved up.

                              Odds to win Super Bowl LI (Before Injury)

                              N.Y. Giants (30/1) 25/1
                              Washington (65/1) 50/1
                              Philadelphia (80/1) 70/1

                              Odds to win NFC Championship (Before Injury)


                              N.Y. Giants (16/1) 13/1
                              Washington (23/1) 20/1
                              Philadelphia (38/1) 35/1

                              Dallas has received extra attention this preseason due to the play of rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, who is leading the NFL in completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns and quarterback rating in August.

                              Prescott was listed as a 300/1 betting choice at Sportsbook.ag to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and that number has been sliced to 7/1 odds as of Sunday morning.

                              He's set to be the first rookie quarterback to start the opener for Dallas since Quincy Carter did so 15 years ago. The Cowboys went 1-11 without Romo on the field last season one year after winning the NFC East with a 12-4 record.

                              Listed below are the latest future odds per Sportsbook.ag.

                              Odds to win Super Bowl LI (2/5/17)


                              New England Patriots 7/1
                              Green Bay Packers 8/1
                              Seattle Seahawks 9/1
                              Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1
                              Carolina Panthers 10/1
                              Arizona Cardinals 12/1
                              Denver Broncos 15/1
                              Minnesota Vikings 18/1
                              Cincinnati Bengals 20/1
                              Kansas City Chiefs 25/1
                              Indianapolis Colts 25/1
                              New York Giants 25/1
                              Dallas Cowboys 30/1
                              Oakland Raiders 30/1
                              Baltimore Ravens 35/1
                              Jacksonville Jaguars 50/1
                              Washington Redskins 50/1
                              Chicago Bears 55/1
                              New York Jets 60/1
                              Houston Texans 60/1
                              Los Angeles Rams 65/1
                              New Orleans Saints 65/1
                              Atlanta Falcons 70/1
                              Philadelphia Eagles 70/1
                              Miami Dolphins 70/1
                              Buffalo Bills 75/1
                              Tampa Bay Buccanneers 75/1
                              San Diego Chargers 80/1
                              Detroit Lions 80/1
                              Tennessee Titans 100/1
                              San Francisco 49ers 150/1
                              Cleveland Browns 200/1

                              Odds to win 2016-17 NFC Championship (1/22/17)

                              Green Bay Packers 9/2
                              Seattle Seahawks 24/5
                              Carolina Panthers 6/1
                              Arizona Cardinals 13/2
                              Carolina Panthers 6/1
                              Minnesota Vikings 8/1
                              New York Giants 13/1
                              Dallas Cowboys 15/1
                              Washington Redskins 20/1
                              Chicago Bears 25/1
                              New Orleans Saints 28/1
                              Atlanta Falcons 30/1
                              Detroit Lions 32/1
                              Los Angeles Rams 32/1
                              Philadelphia Eagles 35/1
                              Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40/1
                              San Francisco 49ers 50/1

                              Odds to win 2016-17 AFC Championship (1/22/17)


                              New England Patriots 13/4
                              Pittsburgh Steelers 11/2
                              Denver Broncos 7/1
                              Cincinnati Bengals 17/2
                              Kansas City Chiefs 10/1
                              Indianapolis Colts 12/1
                              Oakland Raiders 15/1
                              Baltimore Ravens 16/1
                              Jacksonville Jaguars 22/1
                              Miami Dolphins 25/1
                              Houston Texans 25/1
                              New York Jets 30/1
                              Buffalo Bills 30/1
                              San Diego Chargers 38/1
                              Tennessee Titans 50/1
                              Cleveland Browns 100/1

                              Odds Subject to Change - Updated 8.28.16
                              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                              Comment


                              • #90
                                PRESEASON OPINIONS ONLY

                                WLT PCT UNITS

                                ATS Picks 20-28-1 41.67% -5400

                                O/U Picks 21-24-4 46.67% -2700



                                THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

                                GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

                                JAC at ATL 07:00 PM

                                JAC +3.5

                                O 38.0

                                NYJ at PHI 07:00 PM

                                PHI -3.5

                                U 37.0

                                TEN at MIA 07:00 PM

                                TEN +2.5

                                U 38.0

                                NE at NYG 07:00 PM

                                NE -2.0

                                O 38.0

                                PIT at CAR 07:30 PM

                                CAR -4.0

                                U 37.5

                                IND at CIN 07:30 PM

                                IND +3.5

                                O 38.0

                                BUF at DET 07:30 PM

                                BUF +3.0

                                O 37.5

                                GB at KC 08:00 PM

                                KC -3.5

                                U 37.0

                                BAL at NO 08:00 PM

                                NO -5.0

                                O 40.0

                                LA at MIN 08:00 PM

                                LA +0.0

                                U 35.0

                                CHI at CLE 08:00 PM

                                CLE -5.5

                                U 37.0

                                HOU at DAL 08:00 PM

                                HOU -3.0

                                U 37.0

                                DEN at AR I 09:30 PM

                                ARI -4.0

                                U 37.5

                                SEA at OAK 10:00 PM

                                SEA +1.5

                                O 38.0

                                SF at SD 10:00 PM

                                SF +1.0

                                O 38.5
                                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

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